A pilot project that will see Community Paramedics in Renfrew County is getting ready to kick off. The Community Paramedic program was a topic of discussion at the health committee meeting last week (January 13th, 2021).
Paramedic Chief Michael Nolan says they’re hoping to roll-out the program in the next few weeks.
In 2020, the province announced Renfrew County would be part of a 3-year Community Paramedic Program. Nolan says they want to keep seniors in their home for as long as it’s safe to do so.
Nolan says the Community Paramedic program would provide services to individuals who are waiting or soon eligible for a place in a long-term care home. There’s currently over 600 people in Renfrew County waiting for a long-term care bed. Nolan says when the new program rolls out, he hopes they make contact with all those individuals and provide care based on the level of need.
Nolan says this is similar to the community paramedicine program local paramedics have been offering for the last decade. He adds they send out birthday cards to all members on the community paramedicine program wishing them well and reminding them support and care is available if they need it.
Concerns about funding from the province not extending past 3-years were addressed by the chief paramedic by saying these roles will be contract based. A by-law was passed by the health committee authorizing the warden and CAO to sign a transfer of payment agreement with the ministry of long-term care at the January 28th county council meeting.
PREVIOUS STORY:
Renfrew County among venues chosen for Paramedicine Pilot project
